Methods of and apparatus for reeling strands in a multicycle operation



Feb. 2, 1965 D. G. STETKA METHODS OF AND APPARATUS FOR RE ELING STRANDSIN A MULTICYCLE OPERATION '7 Sheets-Sheet l Filed July s. 1963 IfllllllFeb. 2, 1965 D. Gis1-Em@ 351692901 METHODS oF AND APPKRMUSmQWREELmGL-sTRANDs 1N A MULTrcmLEmQERATIoNl Filed July 3. 1963 ''shetssetz Feb. 2,1965 D G STETKA 3,167,901

METHODS OF AD PPARATUS FOR REELING STRANDS'IN A MULTICYCLE OPERATION 7Sheets-Sheet 4 Filed July 3, A1963 /60 /ae M7 Feb. 2, 1965 D. G. sTETKA3,167,901

METHODS oF AND APPARATUS FOR REELING STRANDS IN A MULTICYCLE OPERATIONFiled July 3. 1963 4 '7 Sheets-Sheet 5 n 1i l A Feb. 2, 1965 D. G.s'rETKA 3,157,901

METHODS oF AND APPARATUS FOR REELING sTRANDs 1N A MULTICYCLE OPERATIONFiled July s, 1963 7 sheets-sheet e Feb. 2, 1965 D G. sTETKA 3,167,901

METHODS 0F AND APPARATUS FOR REELING STRANDS IN A MULTICYCLE OPERATION'7 Sheets-Sheet '7 Filed July 3, 1963 3,167,901 METHODS F AND AliARATUSFR REELENG STRANDS iN A MULHCYCLE @PERATEGN Daniel George Stetten,Pennington, NJ., assigner to Western Electric Company, Incorporated, NewYork, NY.,

a corporation of New York Filed .iniy 3, 1963, Ser. No. 292,519 lClaims. (Ci. 57m-3ft) This invention relates to methods of and apparatusfor reeling strands and more particularly to methods of and apparatusfor pairing and supplying electrical conductors to and taking up pairedand twisted electrical conductors from a multicycle twister.

Efforts have been made to increase the rate of manufacture of paired andtwisted strands. As a result of such efforts, centrifugal or inertial,multicycle machines have been provided for twisting paired strands. Themulticycle machine disclosed in copending application Serial No.V138,854 tiled September 18, 1961, by T. T. Bunch,

now Patent No. 3,096,610, is an example of such machines. In suchmachines, twist is imparted to the strands in two cycles; namely, onepart of the twist occurring as the strands are unwound from strandpackages and deposited in a rotating receiver, and a unal part of thetwist occurring as the strands are Withdrawn from the receiver andreceived on a take-up device.

In the operation of inertial machines, the transition between theunwinding operation and the take-up operation has been a source ofdelay. For example, when a strand package becomes depleted or thereceiver becomes lled, the twisting operation must be interrupted :tostop the advancement of strand into the receiver and direct Vthe strandto the take-up device.

In the past, inertial machines have been used for twisting a singlestrand. In the single strand situation, the delay required to effecttransition between the unwinding and take-up operations has beenminimized by securing the end of the single strand to a supply bobbin.When the original supply of strand is unwound from the bobbin,

the take-up operation commences immediately because the strand is woundback onto the hobhin as the bobbin continues to rotate.

In the twisting of a plurality of strands, it has been foundadvantageous to supply the strands from separate packages. It is notpractical, however, in the twisting of 'i such plurality of strands, tosecure the ends of each strand to its respective package in an endeavorto minimize the time of transition in the manner used for twisting asingle strand. For example, upon depletion of the strand supply of a rstpackage while strand remains on a second package, the strand wouldimmediately be taken up on the first package from both the twistingmachine and the second package.

Research conducted in an endeavor to minimize the time required foreffecting transition between the unwinding and take-up operations duringthe twisting of a plurality of strands fed from separate packages,indicates that such transition time is minimized when the separatepackages are mounted adjacent to each other in spaced relationship. Withthe packages so mounted, the strands are fed separately from thepackages, are paired and are 3,167,91 Fatented Feb. 2, 1965 time of thepairing and twisting apparatus may be minimized by advancing the strandsfrom the separate packages and directing the strands to the twistingmachine in paired relationship in a path that is adjacent to an emptytake-up device. With the paired strands advancing in such path and upondepletion of the strand supply of one of the packages, the pairedstrands may be immediately shifted toward and secured to the take-updevice. Rotation of the take-up device withdraws the paired and twistedstrands from the twisting machine while the packages are replaced withfull packages. By replacing the packages while the take-up operation isperformed, the overall operation time is minimized.

An object of this invention is to provide new and improved methods ofand apparatus for twisting strands.

A further object of this invention resides in the provision of methodsof and apparatus for pairing and supplying electrical conductors to andtaking up paired and twisted electrical conductors from a multicycletwister.

A still further object of this invention is to provide separate strandpackages for suppiying strands wherein each package includes a reel anda strand wound on the reel, in conjunction with facilities for feedingpaired strands to a multicycle twister in a path that is adjacent to thereels, wherein instrumentalities for sensing a depleted lcondition ofone of the packages shift the strands from the path .to the depletedreel to withdraw twisted strands from the multicycle twister.

Another object of this invention resides in the provision of a pair ofreels mounted in spaced,- coaXial relationship for supplying individualstrands around a capstan mounted between the reels which feeds thestrands .j to a multicycle twister wherein facilities responsive to anempty condition of one of the reels actuate instru- `rnentalities forshifting the strands from the capstan to the empty reel to initiate atwisted strand take-up operation.

Still another object of this invention resides in thefprovision ofseparate strand packages for supplying strands in paired relationshiparound a capstan mounted coaxially with a take-up device and to amulticycle twister, in conjunction with facilities responsive to anempty condition of one of the packages for shifting the strands from thecapstan to the take-up device to initiate a take-up operation.

With these and other objects in view, the present invention contemplatesa reeling unit having a separate strand package for each of a pluralityof strands to be paired and twisted. In performing the method of theinvention, the strands from the packages are advanced in pairedrelationship in a preselected path that is adjacent to the packages andare then advanced into a receiver of a multicycle twister. Facilitiessense the depletion of the strand of one of the separate strand packagesand, in performing the method of the present invention, operate anindexing mechanism for shifting the paired strands from the preselectedpath over a flange of the depleted package. A snagger wheel secured tothe flange catches and holds the shifted strands so that upon continuedmovement of the package, twisted strands are withdrawn from the twisterand are taken up on the depleted package.

These and other objects of the present invention will become apparentand a complete understanding of the present invention may be had byreferring to the following detailed description and the accompanyingdrawings illustrating preferred embodiments thereof, in which:

FIG. l is an overall view of a pair of reeling units for pairing andtwisting strands according to the present invention;

HG. 2 is an elevational view of one of the units shown in PEG. lillustrating separate strand packages for supplying strands tofacilities for feeding paired strands to a multicycle twister in a paththat is adjacent to each strand package;

FIG. 3 is an elevational view similar to FIG. 2 showing an'indexingmechanisrnactuated upon depletion of unit wherein paired strands areadvanced in a predetermined path relative to a separate take-up reelwhich receives paired and twisted strands upon occurrence of a run-outcondition of the strand supply of one of a plurality of separate strandpackages;

' FIG. 7 is an elevational view of lthe unit shown in FIG. v6illustrating a belt capstan for advancing the paired strands in thepredetermined path from the packages to a multicycle twister;

' FIG. 8 is an elevational view of an indexing mechanism shifting thepaired strands from the predetermined path toward the separate take-upreel upon occurance of the run-out condition; and

FIG. 9 is a schematic drawing of an electro-hydraulic system forcontrolling the reeling unit shown in FIGS.l

6 through v8. p

Referring -to FIG. 1, apparatus illustrating the principles of thepresent invention for reeling strands such as wire, electricalconductors, or filaments 11i, is shown including two similar reelingunits 11 and 12. The reeling unit 11 is shown pairing the strands 1t)and supplying paired strands 13 to a multicycle twister 14 during afirst cycle of the twister. The reeling unit 12 is shown taking uppaired and finally twisted strands 16 from the twister during a secondcycle of the twister.

Still referring to FIG. 1, a strand supply 21 of the unit 11.is shownincluding a separate strand package 22-22 for each of a plurality of thestrands to be paired and twisted. Each of the supply packages 22-22includes a reel, generally designated by the reference numeral 23,

' and one of the strands 10 having indeiinite length wound on the reel.

Accordingly, a left reel 26 and a right reel 27 are provided forsupplying respectively, a left strand 28 and a right strand 29. Theindividual left and right strands 28 and 29, respectively, are suppliedfrom the respective reels 26 and 27 around dancing sheaves 31-31 of atension device 32 to a constant speed drive 33 such as a belt capstan 34driven at constant speed for feeding :the strands 28 and 29 in pairedrelationship to the multicycle twister 14. The belt capstan 34 ispositioned relative to the reels 26 and 27 to function as a rotatablestrand guide for advancing the paired strands 13 in a 'predeterminedpath between the reels, through a strand guide 36 and to the multicycletwister 14.

The multicycle twister 14 of the reeling unit 11 is shown including areceiver 37 and a guide mechanism 38 which feeds the paired strands 13into the receiver v 37.' The receiver 37 is rotated so that during a rsttwisting cycle an initial twist is imparted to the paired strands 13 asthey are received as the initially twisted strands in the form of spacedconvolutions 41 in the receiver 37.

A run-out mechanism 43 detects a depleted or empty condition of one ofthe separate packages 22-22, which lpackage may then be described as anempty or depleted package 44 (see the reeling unit 12). Upon detectingthe empty condition, the run-out mechanism 43 actuates an indexingmechanism 46. Upon actuation, the indexing mechanism 46 shifts atraverse device 47 toward the empty package 44 so that the strandguide36, which is supported by the traverse device 47, shifts the pairedstrands 13 from the predetermined path across a ange 48 of the reel23 ofthe empty package 44; A snagger wheel 51 secured to the` flange 48catches and holds the shifted, paired strands 13 and a cutting mechanism49 severs the shifted strands 13 so thatk upon continued rotationof thereel 23 of the empty package 44, the initially paired and twistedstrands 15 are withdrawn from the twister 14.

Referring again to the reeling unit 12, it may be understood that thesecond twisting cycle of the twisters 14-14 commences as the initiallytwisted strands 15 are withdrawn from the receiver 37. During the secondtwisting cycle, an additional or iinal twist is imparted to theinitially twisted strands 15. If the left package 44, for example,becomes empty first, the iinally twisted strands 16 are taken-up on theleft reel 26 of the left empty package 44 so that the left reel 26 maybe said to be a take-up reel. The right and left reels 27 and 26,v whenfunctioning as take-up reels, will be (as viewed in FIG. 1) lreferred tohereinafter by the respective reference numerals 53 and 54.

At this time, the traversing device 47 is effective to reciprocate thestrand guide 36 for laying convolutions of the finally twisted strands16 on the left take-up reel 54. vAs the left take-up reel 54 is wound tocapacity, the remaining strand 1t) is removed from the right reel 27 sothat the right reel may function as-the take-up reel 53 for receivingthe finally twisted strands 16 upon winding of the left take-up reel 54to capacity.

The reeling units 11 and 12 are similar. Accordingly, the following moredetailed description refers only to the reeling unit 11, it beingunderstood that the description is equally applicable to the reeling`unit 12.

REELING UNIT f 11 Referring in detail to FIGS. 1 and 2, the reeling unit11 includes the left and right supply reels 26 and 27, respectively,shown mounted for rotation on opposed pairs of live center shafts 61-61of a reel support mechanism 62. The mechanism 62 supports the reels 26and 27 at adjacent positions. Each of the left and right reels 26 and27, respectively, is provided with a pair of iianges 63-63 and a windingsurfaceV 64 extending between the lianges @3*63. An outer angey 66 of`eachof the reels 27 and 27 is provided with a toothed pulley 68 that isadapted to be driven by a belt drive 71. Continuously rotating motors 72(FIG. 1) provide individual variable speed drives 73 for the belt drives71 so that the respective left and right reels 26 and 27 may be rotatedindependently.

With thereels 26 and 27 mounted for rotation adjacent to each other,adjacent flanges 77-77 of the reels 26 and 27 are spaced from eachother. One of the snagger wheels 51 is mounted to each adjacent flange77-77 and is provided with a series of peripheral, tangentiallyprojecting fingers or teeth 52-52 which function to catch and. hold, andhence secure the paired strands 13 to the reel when the strands 13 areshifted from the eapstan 34 to a selected one of the take-up reels 53 or54.

The left strand 28 and the right strand 29 from each of the respectiveleft and right reels 26 and 27 are shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 advancingupwardly and around dancing sheaves 31-31 of the tension device 32. Asthe strands 2g and 29 advance under tension to the dancing sheaves31--31, they engage respective left'and right rollers 81 and 82 .of therun-out mechanism 43. The respective strands 28` and 29 maintain therollers 81 and 82 in rst positions shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 so thatnormally closed switch contacts 85 and 86 (see FIG. 5) of respectiveswitches S7 and 88, are maintained open. Upon occur- `rence of an emptycondition of one of the reels, the right Each of the dancing sheaves31-31 is mounted on a slide block 92-92 for vertical movement inresponse to variations in the tension of each of the strands 28 and 29.Each of the slide blocks 92-92 is connected to an end 93-93 of a cable94. The cable 94 extends around idler pulleys 96 and 97 and is woundseveral times around a fixed pulley 9S and a movable pulley 99 of thetension device 32. The movable pulley 99 is urged away from the xedpulley 98 by a pneumatic motor 101 to impart a desired degree of tensionto the cable 94. Such tension of the cable 94 is applied to the dancingsheaves 31-31 by means of the slide blocks 92-92 to apply a desiredamount of tension to the individual strands 28 and 29. Speed controlmechanisms (not shown) are provided for response to the movement of eachof the dancing sheaves 31-31 to control the speed of the variable speeddrives 73 so that the speed of advancement of the strands 28 and 29 isequal.

The strands 28 and 29 advance around and are maintained under tension bythe dancing sheaves 31-31 and are then advanced as the paired strands 13to the capstan 34 in contiguous or in substantially parallelrelationship.

A driving wheel 103 ofthe capstan 34 is shown mounted for rotation onthe reel support mechanism 62 and is positioned between the adjacentflanges '77-77 of the left and right reels 26 and 27, respectively. Asshown in FIG. 1, associated with the driving wheel 103 are toothed idlerpulleys 104 which co-operate with a drive belt 106 that is driven by apulley 107 and a constant speed drive mechanism 108. The paired strands13 are gripped between the driving wheel 163 and the drive belt 106 toadvance the strands 13 in paired, parallel relationship at a constantspeed through the strand guide 36 of the traversing device 47. Thestrand guide 36 is normally positioned in alignment with a space 111between the adjacent franges 77-77 of the reels 26 and 27 and may thusbe said to be adjacent to and opposite to the capstan. The strand guide36, in the normal position thereof, and the driving wheel 1G33 of thecapstan, mounted between the adjacent ilanges 77-77, co-operate tomaintain the paired strands 13 in the predetermined path adjacent toboth of the adjacent flanges '77-77 of the reels 26 and 27 duringadvancement of the strands 13 from the dancing sheaves 31.-31 to anidler pulley 112 of the multicycle twister 14. In this manner, thepaired strands 13 are maintained in condition to be shifted to either ofthe reels 26 or 27 immediately upon occurrence of a run-out condition ofone of the reels.

The multicycle twister 14 of the reeling unit 11 may be of the typedisclosed in the above-mentioned copending application, iiled by T. T.Bunch, relating to methods of and apparatus for multicycle twisting awire-like member. For the purposes of describing the present invention,the multicycle twister 14 is shown in FIG. 1 including the receiver 37which is cylindrical in conguration and which is rotated by a motordriven mechanism 114 at a constant speed about a vertical axis 116. Thereceiver 37 is closed atone end 11S and is open at the other end 119 forreceiving a hollow, telescopic arm 121 which supports the strand guide3S. The telescopic arm 121 is supported for vertical reciprocation by apair of brackets 123 which extend over the open end 119 of the receiver37. A rack 124 is provided on the arm 121 in meshing engagement with apinion 126 that is driven by a reversible motor 127.

The paired strands 13 advanced by the capstan 34 to the idler pulley 112are drawn over the idler pulley into the hollow arm 121 by the inertialforce of a length 129 of the paired strands 13 advancing around a curvedtip 131 of the strand guide 3S towards an inner wall 133 of the receiver37. As the paired strands 13 are thus inertially drawn into the receiver37, the initial twist is imparted to the paired strands and the hollow,telescopic arm 121 is vertically reciprocated by the motor 127 for 6laying the convolutions 41 of initially twisted, paired strands 15 onthe inner wall 133 of the receiver 37.

The length of the strands 1t) wound on the respective reels 26 and 27 ismetered so that the amount of strand on each reel is approximately equaland, furthermore, is substantially equal to an amount necessary to llthe receiver 37 to capacity. 1n practice, the supply of strand 1t) ofone of the reels 26 or 27 is depleted or exhausted a short time beforethe receiver 37 is filled to capacity. Referring to FIG. 3, it may beunderstood that before the receiver 37 is full, the run-out conditionoccurs, so that the supply of strand 111 of one of the reels, the rightreel 27, for example, becomes exhausted, rendering the right strand 29loose as it advances toward the right dancing sheave 31-31. With theright strand 29 loose, the roller 82 of the run-out detector 43 isreleased and closes the switch SS to complete a right strandrun-out'detector control circuit 138 (see FG. 5 The control circuit 138is effective to actuate the indexing mechanism 46 which immediatelyshifts the strand guide 36 toward the empty take-up reel 53 so that thepaired strands 13 are directed from the preselected path toward theempty take-up reel 53. The snagger wheel 51 catches and holds the pairedstrands 13 and a biade 139 of the cutting mechanism 49 severs the pairedstrands 13 to commence the second twisting cycle.

Referring to FIGS. 2 through 4, the indexing mechanism 46 includes aframe 141 mounted for movement parallel to the axis of the take-up reels53 and 54 for indexing the strand guide 35 from the position opposite tothe adjacent anges 77-77 to the position opposite to the winding surface54-64 of either of the reels. An indexing cylinder 142 secured to asupport 143 is provided with a piston rod 146 for moving the frame 141to index the strand guide 36. The frame 141 is provided with guide rods147 which support a carriage 14% for movement parallel to the axis ofthe reels 2d and 27. The carriage 148 supports a distributor arm 149which mounts the strand guide 36.

When the frame 141 is indexed by the indexing cylinder 142, the carriage14S and the strand guide 35 are indexed to the position opposite to oneof the reels. At that time, a traversing cylinder 151 mounted on theframe 141 actuates a piston rod 152 that is secured to the carriage 14Sfor reciprocating the carriage and the 'strand guide 36 in alternatedirections so that the pair of nally twisted strands 15 enclosed therebyis laid in even convolutions on the winding surface 64-64 of one of thetake-up reels 53 or 54. The normal positions of the frame 141 and thecarriage 148 during the rst twisting cycie are shown in FIG. 2.

When the empty condition of the right reel 27, for exampie, occurs andthe switch 88 of the run-out mechanism 43 senses the loss of tension inthe right strand 29, the

right strand run-out control circuit 138 is energized for actuating theindexing cylinder 142 so that the frame 141 advances to the right. Theframe 141 advances the traversing device 47 which in turn advances thestrand guide 35 to the right. Movement of the strand guide 36 to theright, shifts the paired strands 13 from the predetermined path betweenthe adjacent flanges 77-77 of the reels 25 and 27 toward the snaggerwheel 51 of the right reel 27 which is now the take-up reel S3. As thestrand guide 36 continues to shift the paired strands 13 to the right,the snagger wheel S1 catches and holds the paired strands 13 so thatfurther rotation of the right take-up reel 53 commences winding of thepaired strands 13 on the winding surface 64 of the right take-up reel53. The right take-up reel 53 withdraws the initially twisted strands 15from the receiver and renders the twister 14 effective to impart thefinal twist to the initially twisted strands 15 which are then taken upon the right take-up reel 53.

The right strand run-out control circuit 138 then actuates thetraversing cylinder 151 so that the carriage 14S is reciprocated on theguide rods 147 for traversing the strand guide relative to the windingsurface 64 of the right take-up reel 53. The strand guide 36 directs thefinally 7 twisted strands 16 ontothe Winding surface 64 in evenconvolutions. Referring to FIG. 4, the second twisting cycle continues,and when the right take-up reel 53 becomes full, the indexing mechanism46 is again rendered effective to shift the linally twisted strands 16to the left across the adjacent flanges 77--77 of the take-up reels 53and 54. The traversing device 47 continues to reciprocate the strandguide 36 relative to the left take-up reel 54 so that the remainingportion of the finally twisted strands 16 is taken up on the lefttake-up reel 54. When the receiver 37 becomes empty, the reeling unit 11is stopped and conditioned for the next cycle of operation.

ELECTRO-HYDRAULIC CONTROL SYSTEM 161i Referring to FlG. 5, there isshown a combined electrohydraulic control system 160 for (controllingthe operation of) the reeling unit 11, it being understood that asimilar system (not shown) is provided for controlling the reeling unit12. The system 160 includes a pair of electrical conductors or lines 161and 162 for supplying elec-` trical power from a suitable source ofpower 163. Connected across the conductors 161 and 162 is a first motorstarting circuit 166 including a normally open start switch 167, anormally closed stop switch 16S and a motor starting relay 169.Energization of the relay 169 is effective to energize the left motor72-72 of the lett belt drive the relay 189 is effective to energize themotor driven mechanism 114, the constant speed drive mechanism 1118 anda pump drive motor (not shown) for a hydraulic system 194. Energizationofthe relay 189 is also effective to draw up a normally open contact 191of an obvious holding circuit 192 to permit the start switch 187 to bereleased.

A third motor control circuit 266 is connected across the conductors 161and 162 and includes a normally open start switch 207, a normally closedstop switch 208 and a relay 209. Connected in parallel with the startswitch 207, is a holding circuit 212 including a normally open contact211 which is drawn up upon energization of the relay 209 to permit anoperator to release the start switch 207. Also upon energization of therelay 2119, the right motor 72 of the right belt drive 71 is energized.

With the motors 72-72 of the left and right belt drives 71-71 energized,and with the constant speed mechnism 1118 energized, the individualstrands 11B are withdrawn from the left and right reels 26 and 27 by thecapstan 34 and advance in paired relationship as the paired strands 13through the strand guide 36 to the twister 14. Additionally, with thehydraulic system 194 conditioned for operation, the indexing mechanism46 and the traverse device 47 are conditioned for operation.

The hydraulic system 194 includes a hydraulic fluid reservoir 221 whichis selectively connected to the indexing cylinder 142 by a pair of pilotoperated, three-way valves 222 and 223. The valves 222 and 223 areconnected to left and right ends 226 and 227, respectively, of theindexing cylinder 142 by means of lines 228 and 229 respectively. Avalve 231, controlled by solenoids 232 and 233 respectively. A valve231, controlled by solenoids 232 and 233, is provided for operating thepilot valves 222 and 223. It may be understood that when neither of thesolenoids 232 or 233 is energized, the valve 231 assumes a neutralposition so that the same pilot pressure is applied to each of thepilolt valves 222 and 223. In response to such equal pilot pressures,the pilot Valves 222 and 223 apply equal pressure from the reservoir 221to the ends 226 and 227 of the indexing cylg inder 142 and maintain thepiston rod 146, which is operated by the cylinder 142, in a neutralposition. It will be recalled fthat with the piston rod 146 in suchneutral position, the strand guide 36 of the traversing device 47 ispositioned adjacent to the capstan 34 and hence adjacent to the space111 between the left and right reels 26 and 27.

Upon energization of the solenoid 232, the valve 231 is actuated forsupplying pilot pressure from the reservoir 221 through a conduit 241 toactuate the pilot valve 222. Upon actuation, the pilot valve 222supplies hydraulic fluid from the reservoir 221 to the left end 226 ofthe indexing cylinder 142. The indexing cylinder 142 is then eective toadvance the piston rod 146 to the right to shift the yframe 141 andhence the carriage 14S and the strand guide 36, adjacent to the rightreel 27.

Conversely, when the solenoid 233 is energized, the valve 231 isactuated for supplying pilot pressure from the reservoir 221 to thepilot valve 223 which connects hydraulic iiuid from the reservoir 221 tothe right end 227 ol' the indexing cylinder 142. With the right end 227of the indexing cylinder 142 under pressure, the piston rod 146 isadvanced to the left for shifting the frame 141 and hence the carriage148 and the strand guide 36, to the lett into position adjacent to theleft reel 26.

With the constant speed drive mechanism 108 of the twister 14 energizedupon energization of the relay 189, the paired strands 13 advance intothea receiver 37 whereupon the iirst portion of the twist is imparted tothe pm'red strands 13. The vfirst portion of the twist is imparted tothe paired strands 13 uritil the supply of strand 111 of one of .fthereels 23 becomes exhauted. At this time, the roller 81 or S2 of therun-out mechanism 43 is eiective to sense the exhc usted condition. Uponoccurrence of such exhausted condition of the right reel 27, forexample, the right strand 29 which normally'positions the right roller82 for maintaining the right switch. 88 open, releases the roller 82 forclosing the contact 86 of the right run-out detector circuit 13S.

The right run-out detector circuit 138 includes. a normally close-dcontact 251 of a push-bultton switch 252, the now closed contact 86, arelay 253, a normally closed contact 2511, and a relay 263. Uponenergization of the relay 253, a contact 254 is drawn up to complete aholding circuit 253 through a lnormally closed contact 259 of the switch252 and rthrough the nowclosed contact 254 to the relay 253. 1n itsenergized condition, the relay 253 also opens a normally closed Contact255 of the left runout detector circuit 13S to preclude completionthereof during energizaltion of the right run-out circuit 138.

Upon energization of the relay 253, a normally open Contact 256 is alsodrawn up for completing a circuit 257 from the conductor 161 through thesolenoid 232 and through the now closed contact 256 to the conductor162. Upon energization, the solenoid 232 renders fthe valve 231 eiectiveto supply pilot pressure from the reservoir 221 through the conduit 241to actuate the pilot valve 222 for supplying pressure from the reservoir221 to the left 'end 226 of the indexing cylinder 142. The indexingcylinder 142 advances'the piston rod 146 to the-right to shift the frame141 and the carriage 148 to the now empty right reel 27 which is now theright take-up reel 53.

Upon energization, the relay 263 draws up a normally open contact 264 ofa traverse device control circuit 270. The circuit 270 may be tracedfrom the line 161 through a normally closed contact 302, through a lefttraverse control solenoid 271 and through the now closed contact 264tothe line 162. Upon energization of the solenoid 271, a valve 272 isactuated for supplying fluid pressure from a hydraulic fluid reservoir273 to a conduit 274 connected to the left end 276 of the traversingcylinder `151. The traversing cylinder 151 renders the piston rod 152eiiective to advance the carriage 148 to the right so that the strandguide 36 directs the paired and finally twisted strands 16 on to thewinding surface 64 of the right take-up reel 53. The carriage 14Scontinues advancing toward the right until the strand guide approachesthe outside flange 66 of the right take-up rcel 53, whereupon a cam 291mounted on the carriage 148 actuates a limit switch 292 for closing anormally open contact 293. Upon closure of the contact 293, a traversedevice reversing circuit 296 is completed through the now closed Contact293 and through a relay 301 to the line 162. Upon energization of therelay 301, a normally open contact 304 is drawn up to complete a holdingcircuit 307 through a normally closed Contact 308 of a switch 311.Additionally, upon encrgization of the relay 301, the normally closedcontact 302 is opened for deenergizing the solenoid 271, whereas anormally open contact 303 is drawn up to complete a circuit 317 forenergizing a solenoid 321, Upon energization, the solenoid 321 reversesthe position of the valve 272 so that uid is supplied from the reservoir273 and through a conduit 322 to the right end 325 of the traversingcylinder 151. The traversing cylinder 151 advances the piston rod 152 tothe left so that the strand guide 36 directs additional convolutions ofthe linally twisted strands 16 onto the right take-up reel 53. When thecarriage 148 reaches its extreme right position, a cam 32S secured tothe carriage 148 opens the normally closed contact 30S of the switch 311for opening the holding circuit 387 of the relay 301. Upondeenergization of the relay 301, the normally closed contact 302 isreleased and closes, completing the circuit 276 and energizing the leftsolenoid 271. Accordingly, the direction of traverse of the carriage 148is reversed.

Simultaneously, with the indexing of the traverse device 47 lto theright take-up reel 53 and the commencement of the traversing operation,energization of the relay 263 is effective to draw up a normallyopenvcontact 265 to complete a circuit 331 that may be traced from theconductor 161, through a counlter 333 and through the now closed contact265 tothe conductor 162. Upon energization, the counter 333 is effectiveto indicate the length of finally twisted strands 16 that is taken up onthe right take-up reel 53.

When a desired length of linally twisted strands 16 hasv been taken up,a cutover operation is initiated by actuating the switch 252 to open thenormally closed contacts'251 and 259. Opening of the contact 259 opensthe holding circuit 258 for the relay 253, whereas opening of thecontact 251 opens the right run-out sensing circuit 138. Deenergizationvof the relay 253 permits the normally closed contact 255 to return toits normally closed position to condition a relay 341 of the left runoutsensing circuit 137 for operation. The operator then actuates apushliutton switch 342 to close a contact 343 and complete a circuit 344from the line 161 through the now closed Contact 343, through the relay341 and through a relay 355 to the line 162. Upon energization, therelay 341 draws up a normally open contact 345 to complete a. holdingcircuit 346 so thalt the push-button switch 342 may be released. Also,upon energization of the relay 341, the normally closed contact 250 isopened to preclude simultaneous completion of the right runout sensingcircuit 138. Also, upon energization of the relay 341, a normally openconftact 348 is drawn up to complete a circuit 351 that may be tracedfrom the conductor 161, through theV solenoid 233, through the nowclosed contact 348 to the conductor 162. Y

The right solenoid 233 effects the cutover operation by actuating thevalve 231 and the pilot valve 223 for advancing the piston rod 146 tothe left. Advancement of the piston rod 146 to the left shiiits theframe 141 of the indexing mechanism 46 adjacentto the left take-up reel54 so that the linally twisted strands 16 are advanced across thesnagger wheels 51-51 of the adjacent flanges 77-77 of the reels 53 and54 to complete the cutover operation.

Although the relay 263 is defenergized upon opening of the circuit 13S,completion of the circuit 137 is elective to energize the relay 355which draws up a normally open contact 356 to maintain the circuits 270and 317 conditioned for operating the traverse device 47. Ac cordingly,the solenoid 271 or the solenoid 321 which wasy energized at the time ofcutover remains in an energizedcondition so that the carriage 148continues to traverse. At fthe end of that particular traverse, one ofthe contacts 293 or 388 is closed or opened, respectively, for reversingthe direction of traverse.

Additionally, upon energization of the relay 355 a normally open contact357 is drawn up for maintaining the counter 333 energized so that thelength of finally twisted strands 16 wound on the left take-up reel 54is indicated.

When the paired and finally twisted strands 16 have been withdrawn fromthe receiver 37 of the twister 14, the stop switches 168, 138 and 208are actuated for open-r ing the circuits 166, 186 and 266 respectively,so that the respective motors of the reeling unit 11 are deenergized andthe unit 11 stopped.

OPERATION To set up the reeling units 11 and 12 for operation, thepackages 22-22 containing the individual strands 10 are mounted on thelive center shafts 61-61 of the reel support mechanism 62 and a strand10 of each of the packages is guided over one of the dancing sheaves 31-31, fed through the capstan 34, and through the strand guide 36. Theleading end of each strand 10 is inserted in the arm 121 of the twister14 and is secured to an inertia member (not shown).

It may be recalled that the length of strand 10 included in each of thepackages 22--22 is regulated so that each package contains approximatelythe same length of strand 16. However, the exact length of strand 10included in each of the packages 22-22 is not generally knovm, nor is itknown which package 22-22 includes the greater length of strand 10.

To initiate the operation of the units 11 and 12, an operator depressesthe push-button switches 167, 187 and 237. The strands 16 are payed ofithe reels 26 and 27 of the packages 22-22 and are maintained in acondition of equal tension by the tension device 32. The strands 16advance to and around the driving wheel 1113 of the capstan 34 in pairedrelationship as the paired strands 13 and pass from the capstan 34through the strand guide 36. The capstan 34 advances the paired strands13 at a fixed speed to the arm 121 of the twister 14 where the pairedstrands 13 are drawn into the receiver 37 by the inertia member (notshown) which is urged against the walls of the receiver 37.

The strands 1@ are Withdrawn from the reels 23 and advance into thereceiver 37 until one of the reels, for example the right reel 27,becomes empty. The right strand 29 which formerly maintained [the rightrun-out detector switch 88 in an open condition, releases the rightroller 82 so that the Contact 86 of the switch 88 closes for energizingthe relay 253 and drawing up the contact 256 to complete the circuit 257through the lett solenoid 232. The left solenoid 232 is effective tocause fluid pressure to he supplied to the left end 226 of the indexingcylinder 142 so lthat'the frame 141 and the carriage 143 of thetraversing device 47 are advanced to the right. As the carriage 148advances to the right, the strand guide 36 shifts the paired strands 13from the position adjacent to fthe capstan 34 toward the right take-upreel 53 so that the paired strands 13 are caught and held by the teeth2-52 of the snagger wheel 51 that is secured to the adjacent flange77-77 of the right take-up reel 53. The blade is then effective to cutthe paired strands 13 extending between the capstan 34 and the snaggerwheel 51.

Further advancement of the carriage 148 to the right renders the strandguide 36 effective to advance the paired strands 13 relative to theright take-up reel 53 so that continued rotation thereof initiates thetake-up operation.

Actuation of the right run-out detector switch 33 is also effective toenergize the relay 263 which draws up the Contact 264 to complete thecircuit 27 0 through the solenoid 271. Upon energization, the solenoid271 is effective to actuate the traversing cylinder 151 for advancingthe strand guide 36 to the right so that event convolutions of thepaired and finally twisted strands 16 are taken up on the right take-upreel 53. When the carriage 148 reaches the right extremity of itstraverse, the cam 291 closes the Contact 293 of the switch 292 forenergizing the relay 301, whereupon the contact 3152 opens the circuit270 to deenergize the solenoid 271.

Additionally, the contact 3113 is closed to complete the circuit 317 andto energize the solenoid 321. Upon energization, the solenoid 321renders the valve 272 effective to supply iiuid pressure to the oppositeend of the `traversing cylinder 151 so that the carriage 148 nowtraverses towards the lett. At the left extremity of traverse of thecarriage 148, the carn 328 is effective to open the contact 30S todeenergize the relay 391, whereupon the solenoid 321 is deenergized andthe solenoid 271 is energized to reverse the direction of traverse ofthe carriage 148.

'During the take-up operation, `the counter 333 is effec# tive toindicate the length of paired and finally twisted strands 16 that aretaken up on the right take-up reel 53. When a desired length of pairedand finally twisted strands 16 have been taken-up on the right take-upreel 53, the operator initiates the cutover operation by depressing theswitches 269 and 342. Depression of the switch 260 is effective todeenergize the relays 253 and 263 so that the indexing mechanism 46returns to the neutral position. At the same time, depression of thepush button 342 is effective to energize the solenoids 341 and 355.Energization of the solenoid 341 renders the solenoid 233 effective toactuate the indexing cylinder 142 for shifting the carriage 148 from theright take-up reel 53 past the neutral position toward the left take-upreel 54. As the carriage 148 advances toward the left take-up reel 54,the strand guide 36 is efiective to advance the paired and finallytwisted strands 16 into engagement with the teeth 52-52 of the `snaggerwheels 51-51, of the right and left takeup reels 53 and 54. The pairedand finally twisted strands 16 are caught and held by the teeth 52-52,and advance across and are severed by the blades 139-139. The paired andfinally twisted strands 16 are held by the teeth 52-52 of the snaggerwheel 51 of the left take-up reel 54 so that continued rotation of theleft take-up reel 54 initiates the second take-up operation.

Energization of the relay 355 maintains the traversing device controlcircuits 270 and 317 conditioned for operation. Accordingly, if thetraversing vsolenoid 271 was energized at the time of cutover, thissolenoid remains Y energized after the cutover operation and continuesto direct the paired and multi-twisted strands 16 onto the left take-upreel 54. The traverse limit switches 292 and 311 are then eiicective toreverse the direction of traverse of the carriage 148 so that evenconvolutions of the paired and multi-twisted strands 16 are taken up onthe left take-up reel 54.

When the initially twisted strands 13 have been completely withdrawnfrom the receiver `37 and taken up on the left take-up reel 54, the pushbuttons 168, 188 and 208 are depressed to open the respective circuits166, 186 and 206, so that the motors of the reeling units 11 and 12 aredeenergized to permit replacement of the reels 23 and commencement ofanother pairing and twisting operation.

REELNG UNIT 411 It should be apparent from the foregoing description ofthe reeling units 11 and 12, that the transition time is to replace theleft and right reels 26 and 27 during the final twisting cycle. Toachieve this result, the second function of taking up the finallytwisted strands 16, performed by the left and right reels 26 and 27,respectively, acting as the take-up reels 53 and 54, is performed by aseparate take-up reel 454 in conjunction with an indexing mechanism 446and traverse device 447 actuated by a run-out mechanism` 443 upondepletion of the supply of strand 10 from either of the left and rightsupply reels 26 and 27, respectively, of strand supply packages 22-22Referring in general to FIG. 6, the separate packages 22-22 are providedfor supplying the individual strands 10 which are to be paired andmulti-twisted. Each individual strand advances around a dancing sheave431-431 of a tension device 432 to a stationary strand guide 435. Thestrands 10 advance in paired relationship as the paired strands 13 fromthe stationary strand guide 435 around a belt capstan 434 and through amovable strand guide 436 of the traverse device 447 to the twister 14.The transition time between pairing and twisting operations is reducedby the provision of ,the empty take-up reel 454 adjacent to the. beltcapstan 434.

In the operation of the reeling unit 411, when one of the supply reels,the right reel 27 for example, becomes empty, the run-out mechanism 443is effective to'actuate the indexing mechanism 446 which is adapted toshift the movable strand guide 436 toward the empty take-up reel 454. Asnagger wheel 451 provided on a flange 477 of the empty reel that isadjacent to the belt capstan 434 catches and holds the paired strands 13so that continued rotation of the empty take-up reel 454 immediatelyinitiates the take-up operation. During the take-up operation, the nowempty` supply reel 27 `and the almost empty supply reel 26, are replacedby full reels 23 in anticipation of a subsequent pairing and twistingoperation. When the iinal twisting cycle is completed, the individualstrands 10 from Vthe full supply reels 23. are threaded around thedancing sheaves 431, through the strand guides 435 and 436 and into thereceiver 37 while the now full take-up reel 454 is replaced by an emptytake-up reel 454 with a minimum-of delay.

Referring in greater detail to FIGS. 6 through 9, the supply reels 26and 27 'of the packages 22--22 are shown mounted for rotation in aconventional manner on opposed pairs of live center shafts 461 of a reelmechanism 462. Each of the adjacent live center shafts 461 is driventhrough a clutch ymechanism 465 by a pulley 467, The pulleys 467 aredriven by belts 471 of a common drive 473 which is driven by a variablespeed motor 474.v The motor 474 is of the variable speed type to permitrapid acceleration of the reels 26 and 27 to a desired operating speedto minimize improper twist at the start of a pairing and twistingoperation. An electromagnetic brake ,475 mechanism is provided for eachlive center shaft 461 for stopping rotation ofthe reels 26 and 27 whenthe supply of strand 10 thereon is exhausted.

An individual strand 10 from each of the reels 26 and 27 advancesupwardly and around the sheaves 431- 431 of the tension device 432. Thetension device 432 is similar tothe tension device 32 and is effectiveto maintain equal tension in the individual strands 10 as they advancetoward the capstan 434.

The individual strands 10 are fed through the stationary guide 435 andadvance in paired relationship as the paired strands 13 to thecapstan434. The capstan 434 may be similar to the capstan 34 and thusincludes a driving wheel 503, and toothed idler puleys S04-504. Thedriving wheel 503 is driven by a shaft 505 which is driven -by a beltdrive 506 advanced by a pulley 507 which is driven by the variable speedmotor 474. The driving wheel 503 and the idler pulleys 504-504co-operate with a belt 508 to grip and advance the paired strands 13 inpaired relationship at a constant speed through the strand guide`436 ofthe traverse device 447 into the receiver `37 l of the multicycletwister 37 (FIG. l).

agement As in the units 11 and 12, the length of the strand wound oneach of the reels 26 and 27 is metered so that the supply of strand onthe reels 26 and 27 is approximately the same. In practice, thevariation in length may be between zero and thirty feet, and is rarelythe same. It is desirable, therefore, that the second twisting cycle beinitiated immediately upon occurrence of a depleted condition of one ofthe reels. If, for example, the right reel 27 becomes empty before theleft reel 26, a right run-out detector switch 488 maintained in an opencondition by the right strand 29 is actuated. The switch 488 includes anarm 489 which is urged toward the right strand 29 by a resilient member499. The tension of the right strand 29 maintains the arm 489 in an opencondition so that a switch contact 486 (FIG. 9) remains open. Uponoccurrence of the depleted condition of the right reel 27, the tensionof the right strand 29 is reduced to zero so that the arm 489 is movedinto the position shown in FIG. 8 under the action of the resilientmember 490. In the position shown in FIG. 8, the arm 489 closes thecontact 486 and renders the indexing mechanism 446 effective.

The run-out detector 443 also includes a second slidably mounted arm 512(FIG. 6). A second resilient member 513 urges a roller 514 provided onthe end of the second arm 512 into engagement with the strand 23. Thestrand 28 maintains the roller 514 in the open position shown in FIG. 7.With the roller 514 in the position shown, a contact 485 (FIG. 9) of aswitch 487 is open, to maintain a left run-out circuit 602 (FIG. 9)open. Upon occurrence of a depleted condition of the left reel 26, theresilient member 513 is effective to urge the arm 512 into the positionshown in FIG. 8 for closing the switch contact 485.

Upon actuation of either the rst or second switches 487 or 488, theindexing mechanism 446 is actuated. The indexing mechanism 446 isgenerally similar to the indexing mechanism 46, as shown in FIGS. 7through 9 and includes a frame 541 mounted for movement parallel to theaxis of the take-up reel 454 for indexing the strand guide 436 from theposition adjacent to the capstan 434 to a position opposite to a windingdrum 540 of the takeup reel 454. An indexing cylinder 542 secured to asupport 543 is provided with a piston rod 546 for moving the frame 541to index'the strand guide 436. The frame 541 is provided with guide rods547 which support a carriage 548 for movement parallel to the axis ofthe reel V454.v The carriage 548 supports a distributor arm 549 whichmounts the strand guide 436.

When the frame 541 is indexed by the indexing cylinder 542, the carriage548 and the strand guide 436 are indexed to a position opposite to thereel 454. At this time, a traversing cylinder 551 mounted on the frame541 actuates a piston rod 546 that is secured to the carriage 548 forreciprocating the latter on the guide rods 547. Reciprocating of thecarriage 548 moves the strand guide 436 in alternate directions so thata pair of strands 13 enclosed thereby is laid in even convolutions onthe winding surface of the reel.

The frame 541 and the carriage 548, shown in solid lines in FIG. 6, in anormal position during the first twisting cycle, are effective to locatethe strand guide 436 in alignment with or opposite to the capstan 434 sothat the strands 13 are maintained in parallel relationship as they arepulled by the capstan 434 from the packages Upon occurrence of the emptycondition of the right reel 27, for example, the right switch 433 of theright run-out mechanism 443 senses the loss of tension in the rightstrand 29 and renders a control circuit 601 of an electro-hydrauliccontrol system 660 (FIG. 9) effective. The control circuit 601 actuatesthe indexing cylinder 542 so that the frame 541 advances to the 4rightalong the guide rods 547. The frame 541 advances the traversingmechanism 447 which in turn advances the strand 14 guide 436 to theright. Movement of the strand guide 436 to the right shifts the pairedstrands 13 from the predetermined path adjacent to the right flange 477of the reel 454 toward the snagger wheel 451. As the strand guide 436continues to shift the paired strands 13, the snagger wheel 451 catchesand holds the paired strands 13 so that further rotation of the reel 454and shifting of the strands toward the right commences winding of thepaired strands 13 on the winding surface 540 of the takeup reel 454. Thetake-up reel 454 withdraws the initially twisted strands 15 from thereceiver 37. As the strands 15 are withdrawn the final twist is impartedto the initially twisted strands whereafter the nally twisted strands 16are taken up on the reel 454.

The control circuit 601 actuates the traversing cylinder 447so that thecarriage 458 is reciprocated on the guide rods 547 for traversing thestrand guide 436 relative to the winding surface 540 of the take-up reel454. The strand guide 436 directs the finally twisted strands 16 ontothe winding surface 546 in even convolutions. The secon-d twisting cyclecontinues until the initially twisted strands 15 are removed from thereceiver 37 and taken up on the reel 454.

ELECTRO-HYDRAULIC CONTROL SYSTEM 664B Referring now to FIG. 9, there isshown the electrohydraulic control system 660 which is effective tocontrol system 660 which is effective to control the reeling unit 411.Conductors 661 and 662 are provided for supplying suit-able electricalpower from a power supply 663. Connected between the conductors 661 and662 is a rst motor control circuit 666 including anormally open contact665 of a start switch 667, a normally open Contact 664 of a stop switch663 and first motor starting relay 669. Connected in parallel with thecontact 665 of the start switch 667 is a holding circuit 672 for therelay 669 which is completed upon energization of the relay 669 so thatthe start switch 667 may be released. Upon energization, the relay 669is eective to complete a motor circuit (not shown) for energizing thevariable speed motor 474.

Also connected across the conductors 661 fand 662 is a second motorcontrol circuit 686 including a normally open contact 685 of a secondstart switch 687, a normally closed contact 684 of a second stop switch683 and a second motor control relay 669. Connected in parallel with thecontact 685 of the second start switch 687 is a holding circuit 692including a normally open contact 691 that is drawn up upon energizationof the relay 689 to permit the second start switch 687 to be released.Upon energization, the relay 689 is eifective to draw up contacts (notshown) to complete a circuit (not shown) for energizing the pump (notshown) of a hydraulic system 694 for the indexing mechanism 446 and thetraverse device 447. Additionally, a circuit (not shown) for energizingthe motor driven mechanism 114 of the twister 14 is energized uponenergization of the relay 689.

The hydraulic system 694 for controlling the indexing mechanism 446includes a valve 731 that is selectively actuated by solenoids 732 and733 for supplying pilot pressure from a hydraulic reservoir 721 to pilotvalves 722 and 723. During the tirst twisting cycle, the solenoid 733 isenergized for supplying hydraulic pressure from the reservoir 721through a conduit 715 to the pilot valve 723. In response to thepressure, the pilot valve 723 opens to permit hydraulic fluid to passfrom the reservoir 721 through a conduit 728 to the right end 727 of theindexing cylinder 542. The indexing cylinder 542 maintains the pistonrod 546 at the left so that the traversing cylinder 551, and hence thestrand guide 436, are positioned adjacent and opposite to the capstan534 for guiding the paired strands 13 from the supply packages 22- 22 tothe capstan 534.

Energization of the solenoid 732 and simultaneous deenergizatio-n of thesolenoid 733 is effective to reverse the position of the valve 731 sothat the pilot valve 723 is connected to atmosphere. At the same time,the valve "731 supplies hydraulic fluid from the reservoir 721 to thepilot valve '722 rendering the pilot valve 722 effective to connectfluid from the reservoir 721 to the left end 726 of the indexingcylinder 542. In response to the pressure applied to the left end 726,the indexing cylinder 542 rapidly shifts the piston rod 546 toward theright for shifting the traversing cylinder 551, the carriage 548 and thestrand guide 436 to the right so that the strand guide 436 is positionedadjacent and opposite to the take-'up reel 454.

Upon occurrence of the run-out condition of the right reel 27, forexample, the iight run-out circuit 601 is completed through a relay 753and the now closed contact 486. Energization of the relay 753 draws up acontact 755 to complete a circuit 756 through a relayk 341. Energizationof the relay 841 draws up a normally open Contact 842'to complete anobvious holding circuit 843.

The relay S41 also draws up a normally open Contact S46 and opens anormally `closed contact 844. The open contact 844 opens a circuit 851which normally maintains the solenoid 733 effective to position thevalve 731 for positioning the strand guide 436 adjacent to the capst'an434.

Closure of the Contact 846 completes a circuit 757 through the solenoid732 to render the solenoid 732 effective to reverse the valve '731. Thevalve 731 renders the pilot valve 722 effective to actuate the indexingcylinder 542 to shift the piston rod 546 and the strand guide 436 to theright. The strand guide shifts the strands 13 from the predeterminedpath toward the Snagger wheel 451 which catches and holds, and hence,secures the strands to the flange 477 of the take-up reel 454.

Continued advancement of the strand guide 436 to the right and rotationof the take-up reel 454 renders the take-up reel 454 effective to takeup the finally twisted strands 16 from the receiver 37. The diameter ofthe capstan drive wheel 563 and the winding Surface 540 of the reel 454are equal, so that the shifting operation is effected with a minimum ofstress on the strands 16.

Energization of the relay 841 also draws up a normally open Contact 843of a traverse circuit 87@ which may be traced from the conductor 662through the now `'closed contact 84S and through a parallel circuit864?. A first leg 366 of the parallel circuit 864 includes Va solenoid867 and a normally closed contact 868 of a relay 869. A second leg 871of the parallel circuit S64 includes a solenoid S72 and a normally opencontact 873 of the rel-ay 869. With the normally closed contact 868closed, and the normally open contact S73 open, the first leg 864 'iscompleted. The solenoid 367 is effective to actuate a valve 88) forsupplying hydraulic iiuid from a reservoir 879 to the left end 881 ofthe traversing cylinder 551 to initiate the traversing operation. Inthis manner, the strand guide 436 is #advanced to .the right todirectpaired and twisted strands 16 from the receiver 37 onto thewinding surface 540 of the take-up reel 454. When the strand guide 436reaches the rightward extremity of its movement, a cam 882 mounted n thecarriage 548 actuates a switch 383 to close a contact 884. Closure ofthe contact 884 completes a circuit 886 which may be traced from theconductor 661 through the nowclosed switch contact 884 and through therelay 869 to the conductor 662. Energization of the relay 869 draws upthe normally open contact 873 and opens the normally closed contact 868to deenergize the solenoid 867. Closure of the contact 373 completes thesecond leg 871 of the parallel circuit 864 for energizing the solenoid872 In the reversed position, the valve 884] supplies fluid pressurewhich yreverses the position of the valve 830;

from the reservoir 879 to the right end 88S of the traversing cylinder551. The traversing cylinder 551 is then effective to advance thecarriage 546 and the strand guide i 5 436 to the left to direct a secondlayer of the paired and twisted strands 16 over the rst layer of strandswound on the windingsurface 540 of the take-up reel 454.

A holding circuit 890 in parallel with the contact 884 maintains therelay 869 energized so long as a normally closed contact 591 remainsclosed. At the leftward extremity of movement of the carriage 548`during the traversing operation, a cam 892 mounted on the carriage 548opens the contact 831 for opening the holding circuit 890 to deenergizethe relay 869. Deenergization of the relay 869 restores the contacts 868and 873 to their respective normally closed and normally open positionsso that the solenoid 867 is again energized to reverse the position ofthe valve 880 and initiate traversing in the opposite direction. Thetraversing operation continues in this manner until -all the initiallytwisted strands 15 have been fully removed from the receiver and takenup on the take-up reel 454. The operatorthen depresses the stop buttonsof the stop switches 66S and 68S to stop the reeling unit 411 inanticipation of another cycle of operation.

It is to be understood that the. above-described embodifments are simplyillustrative of the principles of the invention. Numerous otherarrangements and modifications may be devised by one skilled in the artwithout departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

What is claimed is:

1. Apparatus for handling strand material in a two-cycle, bidirectionaloperation which comprises:

a plurality of rotatable reels for supplying and taking up strandmaterial, means for guiding the strand materialalong a predeterminedpath of ktravel past at least one of the reels, Y

means for removing the strand material from at least one of the reelsand moving the strand material along the predetermined. path in onedirection to permit processing of the strand material,

snagger means connected operatively to a predetermined one of therotatable reels for securing the strand material to said predeterminedreel to take up processed strand material on said predetermined reel,

means for rmoving a portion of the advancing strand material out of th'epredetermined path ofi travel into engagement with the snagger means,and

means for driving the predetermined reel to reverse the direction oftravel of the strand material and eliect taking up of the processedstrand material on the predetermined reel.

2. Apparatus for handling strand material in a twocycle, bidirectionaloperationwhich comprises:

a plurality of rotatable reels for Supplying and taking up strandmaterial,

means for guiding the strand material along a predetermined path `oftravel past at least one of the reels,

a capstan for removing the strand material from at least one of thereels and moving the strand material along the predetermined path in onedirection to permit processing of the strand material, snagger meansconnected operatively to a predetermined one of the rotatable reels forSecuring the strand material to said predetermined reel to take upprocessed strand material on said predetermined reel,

`said capstan being mounted coaxially of and adjacent to saidpredetermined reed and said snagger means,

means for moving a portion of the advancing strand material -out of thepredetermined. path of travel into engagement with the `snagger means,and

means for driving said predetermined reel to reverse the direction oftravelof the strand material and effect taking up of the processedstrand material on the predetermined reel.

3. Apparatus for handling strand material in a twocycle, bidirectionaloperation which comprises:

a plurality of rotatable reels for supplying and taking up strandmaterial,

rotatable guide means mounted coaxially of a predetermined one of saidreels for guiding the strand material along a predetermined path oftravel past said predetermined reel,

means for removing the strand material from at least one of the reelsand moving the strand material along the predetermined path in onedirection to permit processing of the strand material,

snagger means connected operatively to said predetermined reel forsecuring the strand material to said predetermined reel to take upprocessed strand material on said predetermined reel,

means for `moving a portion of the advancing strand material out of thepredetermined path of travel into engagement with the snagger means tosecure the strand material to the reel and remove the strand from therotatable guide means, and

means for driving the predetermined reel to reverse the direction oftravel of the strand material and effect take up of the processed strandmaterial on said predetermined reel.

4. Apparatus for reeling strands in a bidirectional, twocycle strandtwisting process, which comprises:

strand supply means including a separate package for each strand to bepaired and twisted,

means for withdrawing a strand from each of said separate packages andfor feeding said strands in paired relationship along a predeterminedpath in a irst direction,

guide means for maintaining said paired strands in said predeterminedpath,

driven means mounted adjacent to said predetermined path for pullingsaid strands in a direction Opposite to said rst direction and taking upthe paired and twisted strands,

'means rendered `effective upon occurrence of a depleted condition ofone of said separate packages for indexing the guide means to shift saidpaired strands lfrom said predetermined path toward said driven means,and

means for securing said shifted strands to said driven means to rendersaid driven means effective to take up said paired and twisted strandsin the opposite direction.

5. Apparatus for pairing and twisting strands wherein multicyle meansare provided for twisting paired strands, said apparatus comprising:

means including a separate strand supply for each strand to be pairedand twisted, said strand supplies being mounted in spaced relationship;

means for withdrawing a strand from each of said separate supplies andfor feeding said strands to said multicycle means in paired relationshipand in a path extending between said spaced strand supplies;

guide means for maintaining said paired strands in said path betweensaid supplies;

means responsive to a depleted-condition of one of said separatesupplies for indexing said guide means to shift said paired strands fromsaid pathto said depleted strand supply; and

means for catching and holding said shifted strands on saiddepletedstrand supply to render said depleted strand supply eiective totake up said paired and twisted strands 'from the multicycle means.

6. Apparatus for pairing and twisting strands comprising the combinationof:

a strand supply including a separate package for each strand to bepaired and twisted, each of said packages including a reel for receivingan indefinite length of strand;

means for mounting said reels coaxially in predetermined spacedrelationship;

means for withdrawing a strand to be paired from each of said separatepackages and advancing said strands in paired relationship in onedirection in a path extending between said reels;

bidirectional means respective to said paired strands advancing in saidone direction for imparting a twist to said paired strands;

means for detecting withdrawal of said indenite length of the strandfrom a first of said reels;

indexing means actuated by said detecting means upon withdrawal of saidindefinite length of strand from said first reel for shifting saidpaired strands from said path between said reels to said iirst reel; and

catching and holding means secured to said first reel for snagging saidshifted strands to render said iirst. reel eiiective to withdraw thepaired and twisted strands from said multicycle means in a directionopposite to said one direction upon withdrawal of said indefinite lengthof strand from said rst reel.

7. Apparatus for forming paired and twisted strands comprising:

a separate driven supply reel for each ow two strands to be paired, eachreel being provided with a pair of anges;

normally inel'lectve means having a strand guide operable for movingpaired strands relative Vto a ange of one of said supply reels, saidstrand guide initially positioned between said supply reels;

a capstan for pulling a strand from each of said supply reels andadvancing said strands through said strand guide in paired relationship;

multicycle twister means having a first cycle for imparting an initialtwist to said paired strands received from said capstan and a secondcycle for imparting an additional twist to said strands upon withdrawalof said strands therefrom;

monitoring means engaged to each of said strands between said reels andsaid capstan for sensing loss of tension in any one of said strands;

indexing means responsive to said monitoring means sensing the loss oftension in a strand supplied from a first of said separate supply reelsfor shifting said moving means from said initial position toward theflange of said first supply reel to render said strand guide effectiveto advance said paired strands across the flange of said first supplyreel; and

means secured to said ilange of said first supply reel for catching andholding said advanced strands to render said iirst supply reelVetliective to initiate said second cycle and take up the additionallytwisted strands.

8. Apparatus for winding paired and twisted strands wherein multicylemeans are provided for twisting the paired strands, said apparatuscomprising:

a strand supply including a separate strand package for each strand tobe paired and twisted, each package including a reel and a strand woundon said reel;

spindle means for supporting and rotating the reels of said packages inspaced coaxial relationship so that a iiange of a lirst of the reels isopposed to a ange of a second of the reels;

capstan means mounted on said supporting means between said reels forwithdrawing strandsfrom said reels and feeding the withdrawn strands inpaired relationship between said opposed flanges to said multicyclemeans;

a strand guide for normally maintaining said Vpaired strands betweensaid opposed flanges and selectively shifting said paired strands acrossone of said opposed langes 0f a lirst of said reels;

means for detecting a depleted condition of one of the strand packages;

indexing means responsive to said vdetecting means for 19 rendering saidstrand guide effective to selectively shift said paired strands fromsaid capstan across the opposed flange of the'reel of said depletedpackage; and

means provided on said first reel for catching and holding said shiftedstrands to withdraw twisted strands from said multicycle means and windsaid twisted strands onto said first reel.

9. Apparatus for winding paired and twisted strands in which amulticycle twister having a receiver is provided for imparting a firsttwist to the paired strands during reception of paired strands in saidreceiver and for imparting a second twist to said strands duringsubsequent feeding of the strands from the receiver, said apparatuscomprising:

a pair of continuously driven reels, each of said reels having woundthereon an individual strand to be paired and twisted;

means for mounting said reels in spaced relationship;

a strand guide normally located in a first position opposite to thespace between said reels, said strand guide being movable into a secondposition opposite to a selected one of said reels;

a capstan mounted between said reels for advancing a strand from each ofsaid reels through the space between said reels and through said strandguide into said receiver;

switch means maintained in an open condition by a strand advancing froma first of said reels and actuated into a closed condition upondepletion of said strand;

an indexing mechanism normally supporting said strand guide in saidfirst position, said mechanism actuated t by said switch means in saidclosed condition for shifting said strand guide to said second positionopposite to said first reel to direct said strands across a flange ofsaid first reel; and snagger means mounted on saidvffange of said firstreel for catching and holding the directed strands so that saidcontinuous rotation of said first reel initiates both said feeding ofthe twisted strands from the receiving means and said winding of saidtwisted strands onto said first reel. 10. Apparatus for handling strandmaterial processed in a bidirectional, two-cycle operation, whichcomprises: means for supplying an indefinite length of the strandmaterial, means for guiding the strand material along a predeterminedpath of travel, means for moving the st rand material along thepredetermined path a first direction torpermit` initial processingtofthe strand material, rotatably driven take-up means mounted adjacent tosaid predetermined path of travel for moving the strand material in adirection opposite to the first direction, snagger means secured to androtated with the rotatably driven take-up means for securing the strandmaterial to the take-up means and rendering said take-up means effectiveto take upkthe strand material, and means for moving a portion of theadvancing strand material out of the predetermined path of travel intoengagement with said snagger means to initiate reversal of the directionof travel of the strand material and to effect advancement of the strandmaterial in the opposite direction to the take-up means. ll. Apparatusfor pairing Vand twisting strands wherein a multicycle twister isprovided for twisting said strands, said twister having a first cyclefor imparting an initial twist t0 a pair of strands and a second cyclefor impartingva final twist to said pair of strands, said apparatuscomprising:

afirst reel for supplying a first strand, said first reel being providedwith a firstsnagger wheel 0n a first fiange thereof;

Va secondreel for supplying a second strand, said second reel providedwith a second snagger wheel on a first fiange thereof; v f f spindlemeans mounting said first andv second reels in spaced lcoaxialrelationship so that said first and second snagger wheels are positionedin opposed relationship;

a strand distributingV mechanism including:

an initially unactuated traverse device having a strand guide normallypositioned between said first and second reels, and

indexing means for actuating said traverse device lto shift said strandi guide from said normal position to a second position opposite to aselected one of said first and second reels;

a driven capstan mounted on said spindle means between said first andsecond reels-for advancing said first and said second strands from saidrespective reels between said opposed snagger wheels and through saidstrand guide to said multicycle twister;

a switch operated upon occurrence of an `empty condition of said firstreel for actuating said indexing means to cause said strand guide toshift toward said first reeland snag saidpair of strands onthe secondYsnagger wheel; Y

vdrive means for continuouslyrotating said first reel toeifect saidsecond cycle of' twisting upon said snagging operation and wind a firstlength of said paired and finally twisted strands on the rst reel;

means responsive to a full condition of said first reel for actuatingsaid indexing means to shift said strand guide to said second reel; and

means for rotating said second Vreel to wind a second remaining lengthYof said paired and finally twisted strands on the second reel.

1-2. Apparatus for winding strands onto a reel, said reel being providedwith snagging means yfor-securing strands thereto and a winding surfacefor receiving said strands from a :twister for imparting a twist to apair of said strands, the combination with said reelan'd twister of:

astrand supply including a separate package for each strand to be pairedand twisted,

a driven capstan for withdrawing a strand from each of said separatepackages and .for feeding said strands in paired relationship to saidtwister,

means for mounting said reel coaxially of said capstan on a preselectedlaxis so that said snagging means is coaxially of and adjacent to saidcapstam run-out means for sensing a depleted condition of one of saidpackages,

a strand guide actuated by said run-out means `for shifting said pairedstrands Efrom said driven capstan to the adjacent snagging means tosecure said paired strands to the reel, and

means ,for rotating the reel on said preselected axis to withdraw thetwisted strand `from the Itwister and take up the paired and twistedstrands on the reel.

y131. Apparatus for winding and reeling indefinite lengths of strandmaterial, which comprises:

a rotatably driven take-up reel,

snagger means connected operatively to` said take-up reel for catchingand securing an advancing strand to the take-up reel to permit take upof the strand 0n .the take-up reel,

a rotatable strand advancing capstan mounted coaxially yof and adjacentto said take-up reelso that the axis of rotation of the capstan iscoaxial with respect to the axis of revolution of said snagging means,

means `for directing said strand tto and from said capstan inpredetermined paths extending adjacent to the t path of travel of saidsnagger, and

means -for shifting the path of travel of the strand material tothepath-of ytravel of the rsnagger to initiate winding of the strandmaterial on the take-up reel. 14. In apparatus for pairing and Itwistingstrands, Wherein individual strands to be paired land twisted are rstfied from separate packages .of a strand supply, secondly twisted by amulticycle twister having :a first twisting cycle for imparting aninitial twist to the strands and `a second twisting cycle rfor impanting`an added twist to the strands, and Ithirdly received ion a reel yof atake-up means, the

improvement comprising:

a reel having a snagger wheel mounted adjacent to a ncl-ange thereof,

driven means for supponting said reel tfor rotation at a predeterminedposition,

a driven capstan mounted adjacent to said flange for unwinding saidindividual strands fnorn said separate packages tand ladvancing saidstrands in contiguous parallel relationship in a path adjacent to saidlflange tor reception by said multicycle twister during said rlrsttwisting cycle,

a strand guide yfor enclosing said strands advancing in said contiguousparallel path ,adjacent to said ilange,

strand distributor means for positioning said strand guide adjacent tothe capstan during said iirst twisting cycle and traversing said strandguide relative to said reel during said second twisting cycle,

a run-out device for sensing each individual strand fed tnorn saidseparate packages to said capstan,

an indexing mechanism actuated by said run-out device sensing a depletedcondition of one of said separate packages for shiting said strand guidefrom said posirtion adjacent to the .capstan toward said reel to catchsaid paired strands on said snagger Wheel and initiate said secondtwisting cycle, and

means rendered effective upon actuation of said index- E2 ing mechanismfor rendering said strand distributor means effective to traverse saidstrand guide to lay convolutions of paired and twisted strand on saidreel. 15.l A method of pairing and twisting stnands, compris- 5 ing tthesteps of mounting a pair :of strand supply reels in spaced relationship,

rotating said reels to supply `an individual stnand from each of saidreels,

advancing said supplied strands in paired relationship through the spacebetween said reels into `a mul-ticycle twister to impart a ttirst twistto said paired stnands,

sensi-ng a depleted condition [of a iirst of said reels,

shi-iiting said paired strands trom said space across a diange of saidrst reel to a position adjacent to the winding sur-thee of said tirstreel upon occurrence of said depleted condition,

securing said shifted strands to said ange, and

continuing to rotate said first reel so that said first twisted strands:are withdrawn tnom said twister, treiceive a second twist from saidtwister, and are 'wound onto said tfirst reel.

References Cited in the le of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS2,450,622 Wright Oct. 5, 1948 3,051,403 Johnson Aug, 28, 1962 '3,096,610Bunch J-uly 9, 1963 3,111,804 Beyer Nov. 26, 1963 FOREIGN PATENTS562,104 Belgium Nov. 30, 1957 767,710 Great Britain Feb. 6, 1957 UNITEDSTATES PATENT oEEIoE CERTIFICATE 0F CORRECTION Patent No. 3,167,901February 2, 1965 Daniel George Stetka lt is hereby certified that errorappears in the above numbered patent requiring Correction and that, thesaid Letters Patent should read as corrected below.

Column l, line 66 and 67, for "lmmedlatel" read immediately column 4,line 46, for "Z7 and 27" read 26 and Z7 column 8, line 48, for "138"read 137 column ll, line 4, for "event" read even column l2, line 44,after "reel" insert support line 67, for "pul'eys" read pulleys column13, line 56, for "Reciprocating" read Reciprocation column 14, lines Z7and Z8, strike out "which is effective to controll system 660", columnl6, line 67, for "reed" read reel column 18, line 7,` for "respective"read receptive line Z4, for "ow" read of (SEAL) Attest:

Signed and sealed this 10th day of August 1965.

ERNEST W. SWIDER EDWARD J. BRENNER Attesting Officer Commissioner ofPatents

1. APPARATUS FOR HANDLING STRAND MATERIAL IN A TWO-CYCLE, BIDIRECTIONALOPERATION WHICH COMPRISES: A PLURALITY OF ROTATABLE REELS FOR SUPPLYINGAND TAKING UP STRAND MATERIAL, MEANS FOR GUIDING THE STRAND MATERIALALONG A PREDETERMINED PATH OF TRAVEL PAST AT LEAST ONE OF THE REELS,MEANS FOR REMOVING THE STRAND MATERIAL FROM AT LEAST ONE OF THE REELSAND MOVING THE STRAND MATERIAL ALONG THE PREDETERMINED PATH IN ONEDIRECTION TO PERMIT PROCESSING OF THE STRAND MATERIAL, SNAGGER MEANSCONNECTED OPERATIVELY TO A PREDETERMINED ONE OF THE ROTATABLE REELS FORSECURING THE STRAND MATERIAL TO SAID PREDETERMINED REEL TO TAKE UPPROCESSED STRAND MATERIAL ON SAID PREDETERMINED REEL, MEANS FOR MOVING APORTION OF THE ADVANCING STRAND MATERIAL OUT OF THE PREDETERMINED PATHOF TRAVEL INTO ENGAGEMENT WITH THE SNAGGER MEANS, AND MEANS FOR DRIVINGTHE PREDETERMINED REEL TO REVERSE THE DIRECTION OF TRAVEL OF THE STRANDMATERIAL AND EFFECT TAKING UP OF THE PROCESSED STRAND MATERIAL ON THEPREDETERMINED REEL.